The Robbe Mayall Memorial Scholarship exists to support passionate ski instructors in advancing their skills and fostering a strong community within the sport. One of our 2025 scholarship recipients, Laurie Norman of Alf Engen Ski School, recently attended the Women’s Summit in Solitude, an event dedicated to the growth and development of female ski professionals.
In her own words, Laurie shares how this experience was a highlight of her season, providing high-level coaching, camaraderie, and invaluable connections across the ski industry. Her story is a testament to the power of investing in women’s skiing and why every female instructor should consider applying for the 2026 Women’s Summit at Steamboat Springs.
Laurie Norman’s Experience at the Women’s Summit
Dear Shelly and the Robbe Memorial Scholarship Committee,
Thank you all so much for the opportunity to attend the Women’s Summit in Solitude in February 2025. It was a highlight of my season!
I rarely get a chance to work on my own skiing, especially for three days with high-level feedback from strong female skiers. I was one of the fortunate ones, as my group got to ski with one of the National Demo Team members, Zoe Mavis, from Big Sky. She’s a ripper, and she loved skiing us hard and making us work on our skiing. The camaraderie and supportive environment of my group made for an incredible learning experience.
Your scholarship afforded me a chance to attend all the festivities, and being able to stay at the base area of Solitude made the early mornings and late evenings totally workable. I was able to relax and yet still participate in all the fun. The opening speaker was engaging and interactive, and the final panel discussion made everyone laugh multiple times.
I was able to reconnect with instructors I have worked with in the past as well as make new friends at ski areas all across the country. This was invaluable to me, and I loved the opportunity to make those connections.
Thank you again for the scholarship. I am encouraging every woman in our ski school to apply to go to the Women’s Summit at Steamboat Springs in 2026. It was a fantastic experience!
Laurie Norman
Alf Engen Ski School
Alta, UT
Why the Women’s Summit Matters
The Women’s Summit is an incredible opportunity for female ski instructors to enhance their technical skills, learn from top professionals, and build lasting connections in the industry. Through events like this, the skiing community continues to grow stronger, fostering inclusivity and excellence in instruction.
Laurie’s experience highlights just how valuable the Robbe Mayall Memorial Scholarship is in empowering female skiers and creating opportunities for growth. If you’re considering attending the 2026 Women’s Summit in Steamboat Springs, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship and experience it for yourself
Apply for the 2026 Women’s Summit Scholarship
If you’re a female ski instructor looking for an opportunity to improve your skills, meet like-minded professionals, and take your skiing to the next level, stay tuned for the 2026 Robbe Mayall Memorial Scholarship application details.
For more information, follow our updates and reach out with any questions. We can’t wait to support the next generation of female ski instructors!
